Final Act of Love

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Fanfiction
Title: Final Act of Love
Author(s): Kay Crist
Date(s): 1981, 1995
Length:
Genre(s): gen/het
Fandom(s): Star Wars
Relationship(s):
External Links:

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Final Act of Love is a 1981 Star Wars story by Kay Crist.

art for this story by Lori Roney as it was originally published in Carbonite Maneuver

It was originally published in Carbonite Maneuver in 1981, and reprinted with permission in Bright Center of the Universe #5 in 1995.

"Bright Center of the Universe" #5 also contained a story by Wanda Lybarger called Second Chance. That story was an alternative ending to "Final Act of Love."

This story was also discussed in the 1982 article Han and Leia in Fanfiction.

A Summary

From Carbonite Maneuver: "A dark tale involving the capture of Leia, Han and Chewie. This time Darth will have his information from Leia -- by torturing Hand to death before her eyes. There is only one escape, a chillingly logical conclusion."

Regarding the Reprint of "Final Act of Love" and the Original Publication of "Second Chance"

Ming Wathne, editor of Bright Center of the Universe, wrote about these two stories in her zine:

In the early days of Star Wars, I came across a story that I found I could read again, and again, but I must admit it is not a story to read on a rainy day after you have had the flu for 2 months. Never-the-less, I thought I should like to reprint it for all the new fans who have never had a chance to read it. To my horror, I found I could not locate the author, so from issue one of Bright Center until now, this story has not been reprinted.

The story is beautifully written, but some fans found the ending somewhat disturbing. Wanda Lybarger being one of these [fans] decided to write an addendum, putting her own ending on the story. I was just as fascinated with her version as I was with the original. Wanda's story had never been printed, and I begged her to let me print it, but she felt, (rightly so) that "Second Chance" would not have the proper impact if one had not read the first story. I admit I cried a bit, but I could perfectly understand her reasoning.

Then Oh Joy! I managed to contact Kay Crist, the original author of Final Act of Love, and she, great lady as she is, gave me permission to reprint her story, opening the way for me to do Wanda's as well. Now all is well -- well not quite, there is a bit more to the research, but to explain it now, would lesson the impact of the story -- so on the last page of this little grouping is the final word on this Editor's research, and please read it, because it is necessary to understand some of the art pieces.

Enjoy![1]

Regarding the Illos for Both Stories: 1995

The editor's notes at the end of the two stories:

Hope you enjoyed these stories as much as I did. A little more explanation is due you. [snipped] Wanda Lybarger does not illustrate Star Wars stories that feature the death of any of the three main characters. The fact that two of her illos appear to break this rule here, is another research fluke that needs to be explained. The first and second illos were never made for these stories. One appeared as the cover of Alderaani Imperative, and the second one was the back cover of one issue of Shadowstar [2]. They were originally done over a year apart with no connection to these stories, but I knew this art could be used to great effect for these particular stories, and using all of my persuasion short of blackmail, I convinced Wanda this was not really compromising her "no Death Scene" position. She did not draw them for these stories. [3]

Reassurance Regarding the "Kill" -- and "Negating the Death Scene": 1985

The art by Lybarger was originally printed as the back cover of Shadowstar #18. In that issue, the editor wrote:

In an effort to stir up some sort of response for the letters column, I tasked poor Wanda for her lovely illustration on #17's back cover, but offered no explanation. Well, since exactly three people have even brought the subject up, I'11 make the statement I decided against making last time (my grammar, obviously, is going down the tubes). Wanda's illo is NOT a kill, as they are known; quite the contrary: it's what you might almost call an anti-kill.

It was done in emotional response to a genuine 'kill' story (which was written by another author); for her own edification (and peace of mind), Wanda wrote a beautifully sensitive addendum, which believably negated the death scene. In the advent some other fan writer or editor sees that illo and thinks they were being given the double-shuffle, Wanda (and I) wish to make it perfectly clear that she doesn't do 'kills.' Neither does SHADOWSTAR ~ at least not in terms of offing our Heroes. We want to see stories that deal with the lives of Luke, Han, Leia, etc., not their deaths. Okay? [4]

References

  1. ^ from the editorial of Bright Center of the Universe #5
  2. ^ Shadowstar #17
  3. ^ from the editorial of Bright Center of the Universe #5
  4. ^ from Shadowstar #18
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